Golf bag

ABSTRACT

A tubular handle having a pair of rings mounted in spaced relation thereon for detachably or permanently securing a sleevelike golf club bag thereto. The bag includes ends which are folded back over the rings. The overlapped end portions of the bag have aligned eyelets to receive fastener elements for detachably securing the bag to the ring. A disc within the bag is supported by the lower ring and forms a bottom for the bag. A spike at the lower end of the handle can be pushed into the ground by foot pressure on a foot projection located at the lower end of the handle. The rings, spike, and foot projection are permanently anchored to the handle by lead or other fusible metal. Plugs within the handle form an obstruction to locate the fusible metal in the regions desired. Each ring has outwardly bent ends that are inserted into spaced openings in the handle by compressing the ring to slightly overlap its ends, inserting the ends in the openings, and then turning the ring through an angle of about 180* to mechanically lock the rings in place prior to permanently anchoring the same by the fusible metal. The opposite ends of the bag can be permanently secured to the rings by hollow rivets, stitching, etc..

United States Patent [72] lnventors Charles E. Harmon;

Ruth C. Harmon, both of Venice, Fla. [2]] AppllNo. 826,343 [22] Filed May21,1969 [45] Patented ,luly20, 1971 [73] Assignee lllndcraltCompanyJnc.

Princeton,Wis.

[54] GOLFBAG 20 Claims, 8 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl. ISO/1.513, 15011.5 R, 248/96 [51] 1nt.Cl ..A63b55/04 [50] FieldoiSearch... ..150/1.5,1.5 B, 1.5 C;248/95,96,99, 315; 138/109 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,279,428 9/1918 Pierce 150/1.5(A) 1,423,891 7/1922 White.... 15011.5(A) 2,230,813 2/1941 Pressman.. 248/315X 2,564,318 8/1951 Wick 150/1.5(B) 2,991,031 7/1961 Sederquist 248/99 FOREIGN PATENTS 563,215 9/1958 Canada l50/1.5(B)

Primary Examiner-Donald F. Norton Attorney-Bacon & Thomas ABSTRACT: A tubular handle having a pair of rings mounted in spaced relation thereon for detachably or permanently securing a sleevelike golf club bag thereto. The bag includes ends which are folded back over the rings. The overlapped end portions of the bag have aligned eyelets to receive fastener elements for detachably securing the bag to the ring. A disc within the bag is supported by the lower ring and forms a bottom for the bag. A spike at the lower end of the handle can be pushed into the ground by foot pressure on a foot projection located at the lower end of the handle. The rings, spike, and foot projection are permanently anchored to the handle by lead or other fusible metal. Plugs within the handle form an obstruction to locate the fusible metal in the regions desired. Each ring has outwardly bent ends that are inserted into spaced openings in the handle by compressing the ring to slightly overlap its ends, inserting the ends in the openings, and then turning the ring through an angle of about 180 to mechanically lock the rings in place prior to permanently anchoring the same by the fusible metal. The opposite ends of the bag can be permanently secured to the rings by hollow rivets, stitching, etc..

PATENIED JuL20s9n SHEET 10F 3 IN VENTOR-S Cmmss .E llme/wo/v Rum C. H/JRMON HTTORNEKS GOLF BAG BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a golf bag having a handle with a spike at its lower end for supporting the bag in an upright position on a golf course.

2. Description of the Prior Art Heretofore, spiked devices have been provided for supporting a golf bag on a golf course when the player is not carrying the bag. Such prior devices have usually consisted of a separate stand upon which a conventional golf bag is tqbe mounted, or to accessories to be secured to the golf bag by bolts or the like. Such devices are subjected to the objection that they involve additional expense, and cumbersome and add unnecessary weight to the golf bag. They are; subject to the further objection that the fastening means for securing'the golf bag to the stand or accessory frequently become loose and require the player to interrupt the game to adj usti or resecure the bag in place. Typical of the prior art are the devices disclosed in'Zack, US. Pat. No. 1,9 78,242,'Schw:er,

U.S. Pat. No. 1,926,184, Barden, US. Pat. No. 2,435,565,

Babcock, US Pat.

No. 1,291,359, and Overland, US. Pat. NO. 1,599,786.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention avoids the foregoing objections, in that the spike which supports the bag is made an integral part of the golf bag handle, and is not an accessory, More specifically, the present invention contemplates a lightweight golf bag structure comprising a tubular handle having a spike at its lower end, and having a pair of rings'secured theretoin vetftically spaced relation; and a sleevelike golf club bag connected at its opposite ends to the rings. The bag is' preferably rrtajde from any suitable lightweight material and is designed so that it can readily be removed and replace whenever desired, or be permanently secured to the rings. The bag can be made fro' m any suitable material including ordinary fabric, rein'foreed plastic material, simulated leather, etc. The bottom of the is formed by a lightweight disc disposed within the bag alitd supported by the lower ring. A projection is secured to the lower end of the handle and is engageable by the foot for pressing the spike into the ground. The rings, spike, and foot projection are permanently anchored in the handle byfillitig the portions of the handle in the region thereof with fusible metal, such as lead or reclaimed type metal. The rings are uniquely designed so that upon insertion of the ends therepf into openings in the handle, and twisting the rings about 180, they become automatically locked in place. V t t I 4 Accordingly, the principle object of the invention is to provide a lightweight golf bag structure including self-contained means for supporting the bag in an upright position on a golf course when the player is not carrying the bag. I

Another object is to provide a golf bag structure including a readily replaceable bag portion. 1 L Z Another object is to provide a handle for a golf bag, and supporting means for a'sleevelike bag that are permanently secured to the handle. v

Still another object is to provide a golf bag structure including rings, for supporting a sleevelike bag designed sothat they become automatically locked in place incident to mounting the rings on the handle.

A further object is to provide a lightweight golf bag, particularly suitable for use by persons who cannot, or who do not want to, totea heavy bag.

A still further object is to provide a golf bag construction that is easy to manufacture, very attractive in appearance, and relatively low in cost.

Other objects and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1;

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the golf bag, cross section, taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal sectional view through the lower end ofthe golf bag, taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG-5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view through the bottom and lower end of the golf bag, taken on the line 5-5 ofFlG. 4; W

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view, taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. .18, illustrating the manner in which .the end of the upper bag supporting rings are anchored in the tubular handle;

FIG, 7 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view, taken on the line 7 7 of FIG. 11, illustrating the manner in partly in v which the,ends of the lower bag, supporting ring, spike, and

foot-engaging projection are anchored in the lower end of the tubular handle; i

FIG. 8 is a developed view of the golf bag showing the bag material with a band or trim at the lower end in the position that it assumes while being sewn to the bag material, and

the line 10-10 of FIG. 8

FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view,

taken on the line 11-11 of FIG. 7, showing the details of the foot projection ,and the manner in which it, the spike and the ends of the lower ring are anchored in the lower end of the handle;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of oneof the bag supporting rings;

FIG. 13 illustrates the first step in mounting the ring in the tubular support, and wherein the ring is compressed so that the ends slightly overlap each other; FIG. 14 shows the overlapped ends inserted into openings in the handle; 7 7 FIG. 15 illustrates the ring of FIG. 14 after it has been rotated clockwise to lock the ends of the ring in the handle;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view through the upper end of a bag,. illustrating the use of rivets for permanently securing the bag to the upper ring;

FIG. 17 is a similar view, but showing the use of stitching for permanently securing the bag to the upper ring; and

FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view, taken on the line 18-18 of FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS." 1 and illustrate a golf bag constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention according to which a hollow handle 2, preferably made of lightweight metal, such as. aluminum, it provided as a support for a sleevelike golf club generally identified by the numeral 4. The handle 2 has a spike 6 extending beyond its lower end a projection 8 adapted to be engaged by the foot to push the spike 6 into the ground. The projection 8 is generally U-shaped and comprises legs 10 and 12, FIG. 11, which diverge toward the handle 2. The extremity 14 of the leg 12 is bent at an angle thereto so that it is generally parallel with the leg 10. The leg 10 and the extremity 14 extend through openings 16 and 18, respectively, in the, handle 2. The end of the extremity l4 abuts the spike 6. The leg portion 10 extends farther into the handle 2 than the extremity l4 and is notched, as indicated at 20. Theupper end of the spike 6 has a tapered groove 22 that terminates under a head 24, thus providing a notch, the purpose of which will be explained later. The projection 8 and spike 6 are preferably made from cold rolled steel and nickelplated or otherwise treated to resist corrosion.

An upper ring 26 is mounted on the handle 2 near its upper end, and a lower ring 28 is mounted on the handle adjacent its lower end. Both rings are identical and a description of one will suffice for both.

The upper ring 26 and the manner in which it is inserted and locked in the handle 2 are illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 15, inclusive. The ring 26 is preferably made from cold rolled steel and has end portions 29 and 31 that are straight and terminate in ends 30 and 32 that are sharply bent at an angle of about 90- relative to the adjacent straight positions 29 and 31 of the ring, so that they diverge outwardly from each other, as shown in FIG. 12, prior to mounting. The ends 30 and 32 are also bent in opposite directions on an angle of about 45to the plane of the main body portion of the ring. Thus, as viewed in FIG. 12, the end 30 is bent downwardly and the end 32 is bent upwardly.

The handle 2 has openings 30a and 32a for receiving the ends 30 and 32, respectively, ofthe ring 26. In order to mount the ring with the diverging ends 30 and 32 extending through the openings 30a and 320, it is necessary to compress the rings so that the end portions thereof partially overlap, as illustrated in FIG. 13. Next, it is necessary to first insert the end 30 into the opening 30a and then to manipulate the ring to insert the end 32 into the opening 32a or vice versa, as illustrated in FIG. 14. It will be noted that the end portions 30 and 32 of the ring are still in overlapping relation and that at this time, the ends 30 and 32 converge toward each other. To complete the mounting of the ring on the handle 2, the body of the ring is twisted clockwise through an angle of 180so that the ring assumes the position shown in FIG. with its ends 30 and 32 spaced apart. It will be noted that the ends 30 and 32 of the ring have now been restored to their original diverging relation; and bearing in mind that the end 30 extends downwardly and the end 32 extends upwardly, the ring 26 is effectively locked so that it cannot be pulled out of the openings 30a and 32a.

The lower ring 28 has ends 34 and 36, FIGS. 4 and 10, that extend through openings 34a and 36a in the handle 2 in the region of the head 24 of the spike 6.

Prior to mounting the upper ring 26 on the handle 2, a cylindrical, tight-fitting plug 38, FIG. 6, is inserted into the handle 2 to a point below the openings 30a and 32a, as shown. The plug 38 can be made from wood, felt, or any suitable material. The ring 26 is then mounted on the handle 2 in the manner described above. The ring 26 is held by a jig or other means (not shown) so that it lies in a plane perpendicular to the handle 2. Molten lead, or reclaimed type metal, 40 is then poured into the handle 2 in an amount such that it completely covers the utldS 30 and 32 of the ring 26 and is then allowed to cool and solidify. The plug 38 holds the metal 40 in place until it cools and forms a solid body of anchoring metal.

The upper end of the handle 2 can then be closed by a plastic cap 41, FIGS. 1 and 2.

Prior to mounting the lower ring 28 on the handle 2, a similar plug 42 is inserted into the handle 2 to a point inwardly of the opening 16, which receives the leg 10 of the foot projection 8, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 11. The ring 28 and the projection 8 are then mounted on the handle 2 which is then inverted. The lower ring 28 and the spike 6 are held in proper position in a jig (not shown) and molten metal 44 is then poured into the handle 2 until the cavity is filled. The metal 44 quickly cools and solidifies. The plug 42 functions in the same manner as the plug 38. The notch 20, previously referred to, is filled with the metal 44 so that the projection 8 cannot be pulled out of the handle 2. Likewise, the recess 22 adjacent the head 24 of the spike is filled with the metal 44 to prevent the spike 6 from moving relative to the handle 2 as the spike is being forced into or withdrawn from the earth. The use of the metal bodies 40 and 44 provides a simple, easy, and inexpensive way of permanently anchoring the spike 6, projection 10, and rings 26 and 28 in the handle 2.

The handle 2 has diametrically opposed openings 46 disposed above the anchoring metal 40, FIGS. 3 and 6, for the reception of the ends 48 of a stiff wire clip 50. A clip 52 is similarly mounted on the handle 2 at a point approximately medially of its length. The opposite ends of a carrying strip 54 are connected to the clips 50 and 52.

The sleevelike bag 4 for receiving the golf clubs is constructed in the manner indicated in FIG. 8. The bag 4 comprises an oblong piece of fabric, leatherette, plastic, or other material, 56 to which a pleated pocket 58 is secured by stitching 60. The picket 58 may be made of the same material as the bag 4 and is adapted to receive golf balls, gloves, etc. The pocket 58 is closed by a conventional zipper 62. A second picket 64, open at its upper end 66, is secured to the bag material 56 above the pocket 58 by stitching 68. In constructing the bag 4, a band of reinforced plastic or other contrasting material 70 is positioned upon the sheet of bag material 56 at its lower transverse end and is secured thereto by stitching 72. This relationship is further shown in FIG. 10. Band material having one finished side can be used and in such case, the band is sewn to the sheet 56 with its finished side outermost. A similar band 74 is secured to the upper end of the material 56 by stitching 76. However, the band 74 is illustrated in the position that it assumes after it has been stitched in place and positioned to form an extension of the bag material. As will be apparent from FIG. 9, when the band 74 is extended, the stitching 76 will lie on the inner side of the bag.

The sheet of bag material 56 has longitudinal edges 78 and 80 that are overlapped in a conventional manner and sewn together by stitching 82 to form a sleevelike structure. Such stitching does not extend through either of the bands 70 or 74, since both bands are shorter in length than the width of the sheet 56. The stitching 82 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

ln one embodiment of the invention, the band 70 is providcd with two rows of spaced eyelets 84 and the band 74 is similarly provided with two rows of eyelets 86.

The upper end of the sleevelike bag 4 is assembled with the ring 26 by first extending the band 74 to the position illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, whereupon the stitching 76 and the seam formed thereby are disposed inside the bag. This can readily be done since the ends of the band 74 are free. The upper end of the bag is then inserted into the ring 26 and the band material 74 is folded outwardly and downwardly over the ring 26 from the full-line position to the dot-and-dash line position shown in FIG. 9. The lower edge 88 of the band 74 will then be disposed at a level below the outer side of the seam formed by the stitching 76 and will conceal the same. The eyelets 86 will then be aligned as illustrated in FIG. 9. Conventional brass paper fasteners 90 are inserted through the aligned eyelets, and the legs thereof are bent backwardly as shown in FIG. 3 to detachably secure the upper end of the bag 4 to the ring 26. The edge 88 of the band 74 may be pinked" to give it a decorative appearance, and to prevent raveling if the band 74 is made of fabric. When the band 74 is made of material having one finished side, that side will be exposed when the band is folded as described above, due to the initial positioning of the finished side outermost during the stitching of the band 74 to the sheet 56.

The band 70 is manipulated and secured to the lower ring 28 by fasteners 92, in the same manner described for securing the band 74 to the upper ring 26.

It will be understood that the bag 4 can be made ofa single piece of suitable material and have its ends extended through the rings 26 and 28 and folded back in overlapping relation and the overlapped portions interconnected in the same manner as the bands 70 and 74.

A disc, FIG. 5, stamped or cut from a sheet of pressed fiber board, plastic material, etc., serves as a bottom for the bag 4. The outside diameter of the disc 94 is greater than the inside diameter of the ring 28. As is shown in FIG. 5, the disc 94 is confined in place by the bag 4 and is supported by the lower ring 2%. The disc 9d can be readily inserted through the bottom of the bag by slightly distorting the ring 28 to permit its entry into the bag. The eyelets M project inwardly above the disc 94 and prevent it from moving upwardly in the bag.

it will be understood that the fasteners 90 and 92 are readily removable so that the bag it can be detached from the handle 2 to be cleaned and replaced or be replaced by a new bag. If a permanently mounted construction is desired, a band Ma, lFlG. lib, can be secured to the ring 26 by a plurality of hollow rivets 96. Alternatively, and as is shown in H6. U, a band 7451) can be secured to the ring 26 by stitching W. A waterproof adhesive may be used in lieu of either rivets or stitching. It will be understood that bands similar to the bands 74a and 7d!) are attached to the lower end of the bag d for like attachment to the lower ring 2%.

The golf bag construction described is very light in weight, particularly when the bag d is made from cloth. In this connection, the cloth used may be of any solid color, of have a design, such as polka-dot, floral print, stripes, geometric patterns, etc. The bag ll, regardless of the material from which it is made, can be readily removed for laundering, cleaning, or replacement, and this is a prime feature of the invention. The permanent mounting of the rings 26, 2%, the projection h, and the spike 6 on the handle 2, eliminates problems that would otherwise occur if these parts could become loose.

ln use, the bag can be carried by the strap 54. When a play is to be made, the golfer rests the spike s on the ground and drives it into the ground by foot pressure on the projection b. The bag will then be supported vertically and will remain so until the golfer grasps the handle 2 and pulls the spike 6 out of the ground.

It will be understood that various changes in the design and construction of the present golf bag can be made without departing from the principles of the invention.

1 claim:

ll. A golf bag structure, comprising: an elongated handle; an upper ring and a lower ring secured to said handle, one adjacent each end thereof, said upper and lower rings being disposed to one side of said handle; a sleevelike bag; means connecting the upper end of said bag to the upper end of said rings; means connecting the lower end of said bag to the lower of said rings, said handle being disposed entirely exteriorly of said bag, and means forming a closure for the lower end of said bag.

2. A golf bag structure as defined in claim ll, in which a disc closes the lower end of the bag.

3. A golf bag structure as defined in claim ll, in which the disc is confined within the bag and is supported by the lower ring.

d. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the bag has end portions that extend through the rings and are folded back over the upper and lower rings in overlapping relation; and wherein the overlapped portions are interconnected to attach the bag to the rings.

5. A golf bag structure as defined in claim t, wherein the overlapped portions of the bag are interconnected by removable fasteners to detachably secure the bag to the rings.

s. A golf bag structure as defined in claim d, wherein the overlapped portions of the bag are interconnected by stitching, rivets, adhesive, or the like, to permanently secure the bag to the rings.

7. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the bag has a band attached to each end thereof and the hands extend beyond the bag and are folded back upon themselves over the upper and lower rings so that portions thereof contact in overlapping relation, and wherein the overlapped portions of the bands are interconnected in a region beyond the ends of the bag to attach the bag to the rings.

8. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 7, wherein the overlapped portions of the bands are interconnected by stitching, rivets, adhesive, or the like, to permanently secure the bag to the rings.

9. A golf bag structure as defined in claim i, wherein the bag has a band attached to each end thereof and the bands are folded back upon themselves over the upper and lower rings in overlapping relation; and wherein the overlapped portions of the bands have aligned eyelets; and wherein removable fasteners extend through the eyelets to detachably secure the bag to the rings.

10. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 1, in which a spike extends from the lower end of the handle, and a foot-engageable projection is mounted upon said handle for use in forcing the spike into the ground.

1111. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the rings have outwardly bent, diverging end portions, and wherein the handle is hollow and has openings to receive said end portions to interlock the rings with the handle.

12. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 111, including a body of metal within the handle permanently anchoring the portions of the rings in the handle.

13. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 10, including a body of metal within the handle permanently anchoring the spike in the handle.

M. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 10, including a body of metal within the handle permanently anchoring the foot-cngageable projection in the handle.

15. A ring adapted to be secured to a tubular member, comprising: a length of metal bent into a generally circular configuration and terminating in outwardly diverging bent ends, said ends also diverging in opposite directions relative to the general plane of the ring.

lib. A ring as defined in claim 15, wherein the ends of the ring extend at an angle of about 45to the general plane of the ring.

117. A ring as defined in claim 15, wherein the portions of the ring immediately adjacent to the ends are substantially straight, and wherein said ends extend from s said straight portions at an angle of about 18. A golf club bag, comprising: a generally oblong sheet of sewable material having opposed longitudinal sides and opposed transverse ends; and two relatively narrow bands of sewable material of slightly less length than the transverse width of said sheet overlying the outer side of said sheet; stitching securing one longitudinal edge portion only of each of said bands to the respective ends of said sheet; and stitching securing the longitudinal edges of said sheet together to form a sleevelike structure, said bands being manipulatable to form extensions at the opposite ends of the sleeve, whereby the seams joining the bands to the sheet are turned to the inside of the bag when the bands are in extended position.

119. A golf club bag as defined in claim 18, in which the bands are made of material having one finished side, and wherein the bands are initially stitched to the sheet with their finished side outermost.

20. A golf bag structure, comprising: an elongated hollow handle; an upper ring and a lower ring mounted upon said handle, one adjacent the upper end and the other adjacent the lower end of said handle, each of said rings having outwardly I bent end portions, and said handle having openings through which said end portions extend into the interior of said handle; a sleevelike bag; means connecting the upper end of said bag to said upper ring; means connecting the lower end of said bag to said lower ring; a disc confined within said bag, and supported by said lower ring, forming a bottom for said bag; a

plug in said handle disposed inwardly of the end portions of said upper ring; a body of metal in said handle disposed outwardly of said plug and having the end portions of said upper ring anchored therein; a spike having its upper end received within the lower end of said handle il'll the region of the end portions of said lower ring; a foot-engageable projection extending outwardly from said handle and having extremities received within said handle in the region of the ends of said lower ring and the upper end of said spike; a plug at the lower end of said handle disposed inwardly of the end portions of said lower ring; and a body of metal in said handle disposed outwamy'ar'said last-mentioned plug and having the end portions of said lower ring, the ends of said foot-engageable projection and the upper end of said spike anchored therein. 

1. A golf bag structure, comprising: an elongated handle; an upper ring and a lower ring secured to said handle, one adjacent each end thereof, said upper and lower rings being disposed to one side of said handle; a sleevelike bag; means connecting the upper end of said bag to the upper end of said rings; means connecting the lower end of said bag to the lower of said rings, said handle being disposed entirely exteriorly of said bag, and means forming a closure for the lower end of said bag.
 2. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 1, in which a disc closes the lower end of the bag.
 3. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 1, in which the disc is confined within the bag and is supported by the lower ring.
 4. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the bag has end portions that extend through the rings and are folded back over the upper and lower rings in overlapping relation; and wherein the overlapped portions are interconnected to attach the bag to the rings.
 5. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 4, wherein the overlapped portions of the bag are interconnected by removable fasteners to detachably secure the bag to the rings.
 6. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 4, wherein the overlapped portions of the bag are interconnected by stitching, rivets, adhesive, or the like, to permanently secure the bag to the rings.
 7. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the bag has a band attached to each end thereof and the bands extend beyond the bag and are folded back upon themselves over the upper and lower rings so that portions thereof contact in overlapping relation, and wherein the overlapped portions of the bands are interconnected in a region beyond the ends of the bag to attach the bag to the rings.
 8. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 7, wherein the overlapped portions of the bands are interconnected by stitching, rivets, adhesive, or the like, to permanently secure the bag to the rings.
 9. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the bag has a band attached to each end thereof and the bands are folded back upon themselves over the upper and lower rings in overlapping relation; and wherein the overlapped portions of the bands have aligned eyelets; and wherein removable fasteners extend through the eyelets to detachably secure the bag to the rings.
 10. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 1, in which a spike extends from the lower end of the handle, and a foot-engageable projection is mounted upon said handle for use in forcing the spike into the ground.
 11. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the rings have outwardly bent, diverging end portions, and wherein the handle is hollow and has openings to receive said end portions to interlock the rings with the handle.
 12. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 11, including a body of metal within the handle permanently anchoring the portions of the rings in the handle.
 13. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 10, including a body of metal within the handle permanently anchoring the spike in the handle.
 14. A golf bag structure as defined in claim 10, including a body of metal within the handle permanently anchoring the foot-engageable projection in the handle.
 15. A ring adapted to be secured to a tubular member, comprising: a length of metal bent into a generally circular configuration and terminating in outwardly diverging bent ends, said ends also diverging in opposite directions relative to the general plane of the ring.
 16. A ring as defined in claim 15, wherein the ends of the ring extend at an angle of about 45*to the general plane of the ring.
 17. A ring as defined in claim 15, wherein the portions of the ring immediately adjacent to the ends are substantially straight, and wherein said ends extend from s said straight portions at an angle of about
 90. 18. A golf club bag, comprising: a generally oblong sheet of sewable material having opposed longitudinal sides and opposed transverse ends; and two relatively narrow bands of sewable material of slightly less length than the transverse width of said sheet overlying the outer side of said sheet; stitching securing one longitudinal edge portion only of each of said bands to the respective ends of said sheet; and stitching securing the longitudinal edges of said sheet together to form a sleevelike structure, said bands being manipulatable to form extensions at the opposite ends of the sleeve, whereby the seams joining the bands to the sheet are turned to the inside of the bag when the bands are in extended position.
 19. A golf club bag as defined in claim 18, in which the bands are made of material having one finished side, and wherein the bands are initially stitched to the sheet with their finished side outermost.
 20. A golf bag structure, comprising: an elongated hollow handle; an upper ring and a lower ring mounted upon said handle, one adjacent the upper end and the other adjacent the lower end of said handle, each of said rings having outwardly bent end portions, and said handle having openings through which said end portions extend into the interior of said handle; a sleevelike bag; means connecting the upper end of said bag to said upper ring; means connecting the lower end of said bag to said lower ring; a disc confined within said bag, and supported by said lower ring, forming a bottom for said bag; a plug in said handle disposed inwardly of the end portions of said upper ring; a body of metal in said handle disposed outwardly of said plug and having the end portions of said upper ring anchored therein; a spike having its upper end received within the lower end of said handle in the region of the end portions of said lower ring; a foot-engageable projection extending outwardly from said handle and having extremities received within said handle in the region of the ends of said lower ring and the upper end of said spike; a plug at the lower end of said handle disposed inwardly of the end portions of said lower ring; and a body of metal in said handle disposed outwardly of said last-mentioned plug and having the end portions of said lower ring, the ends of said foot-engageable projection and the upper end of said spike anchored therein. 